Lyman Universal Trimmer improvements

[romukom]

When I started to reload rifle cartridges it was obvious that I needed a trimmer.  I tried a WFT type trimmer but I got tired of holding  the case by hand. I am sure that you may have experienced a spin-out where the cutter catch the case and spins on your hand. At the end I ended up with a Lyman universal trimmer because I like the design of case holder/chuck.

After trimming 600  cases I noticed the shortcomings of the Lyman trimmer.

1- The chuck is a bit sloopy when attaching a  223 case.
To fix this issue, I saw someone in YouTube ( I can't find the link) that took apart the chuck and sanded down the main assembly so that the jaws just barely sit bellow the slots. That way there is less slop in the jaws when fitting smaller case diameter.  To assemble here is a video from Lyman

https://youtu.be/dUVkwhNSXUk

2- The inconsistencies of trimming.
I noticed that after 50 or so cases the oal of the case is reduced by couple of thousands. At first I thought that the adjuster collar is slipping by slamming the cutter. However, I got the same results after being careful. I believe that the steel collar is wearing against the aluminum bushing.  When that happens the cutter cuts more than it was set. So I decided to install a trust bearing.  I got this one from Amazon. Time will tell if this solution works. Also, I took one of the included washer and installed behind the cutter.

9/16-STP, 9/16 x 1 x 1/4 inch, Thrust Bearing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FLYISXG/ref=cm_sw_r_other_taa_o5IXDbY54CRT3



3- Turning handle too small and uncomfortable.
I ground off the rivet that attaches the crank. I have access to a lathe and drilled and tap the shaft. At this point I could install a stud and use my drill. I also wanted to use my trimmer manually as well so I went to home depot and got is drawer pull knob. I made the lever out of scrap steel I had around. I made plastic washers out of the spare dividers from tackle box. When installing the knob, make sure that it spins freely and use Red threalock otherwise the knob  will unscrew. If you have left hand thread screw and tap would be the ideal solution.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Liberty-Classic-Round-1-3-4-in-45-mm-Satin-Nickel-Oversized-Solid-Cabinet-Knob-P19449C-SN-CP/202666738?g_store=482&mtc=Shopping-B-F_D25H-G-D25H-25_4_BUILDERS_HARDWARE-Multi-NA-Feed-LIA-NA-NA-BuildersHardware_LIA&cm_mmc=Shopping-B-F_D25H-G-D25H-25_4_BUILDERS_HARDWARE-Multi-NA-Feed-LIA-NA-NA-BuildersHardware_LIA-71700000044822926-58700004636006010-92700039037730261&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-qr2iJvc5QIVBtRkCh0tIQxCEAQYASABEgLZqvD_Bw






This knob is much comfortable. Anyways, let me know if you have any questions.

[ReloaderFred]

Those all look like good improvements.  In the past, I've used both the Forster Case Trimmer and the Lyman Case Trimmer, but soon got tired of the slow process when doing large batches.  I switched over to the Lyman Drill Press Trimmer, which I don't believe is still being offered, but I've trimmed thousands of pieces of brass on my drill press over the years. 

For the most common rifle calibers, I've got the Dillon 1200 trimmer, which is motor driven.  It sizes and trims the case at the same time, and I've got the dies for .223/5.56, .30 Carbine (CH-4D, since Dillon doesn't offer it), .243, .308 and .30-06.  I've trimmed mostly .223 with it, but it's done many thousands of rounds of brass.  It doesn't chamfer or debur, but I do that separately with a couple of tools that I made just for that.  I can process a thousand rounds in about an hour and 15 minutes or so, just for the chamfer and debur.

Hope this helps.

Fred

[Wobbly]

Lyman offers a "motorizing kit" which replaces the handle with a 1/4" hex shaft. Then you fit your drill motor with a 1/4" nut driver bit, and turn the cutter with the drill motor. Since most everyone has a drill motor, it's a cheap way to speed things up.






I do like the idea of the thrust bearing. I've never seen that.

[romukom]

Ideally the trimmer should have ball bearings to support the shaft in addition to the trust bearing. But that production cost.

[Wobbly]

Ideally the trimmer should have ball bearings to support the shaft in addition to the trust bearing. But that production cost.

Not needed due to the guide pin. So what you want is to lube the bush, and get a snug-fitting guide pin.

[romukom]

Updade and Another upgrade,

After trimming one hundred of .223 cases it becomes evident that the improvements has made the process less painful and more consistent.  I have to say that the thrust bearing has helped a lot.  However, cranking the handle has become tedious for me.

I got this flexible shaft chuck key. and an on/off foot pedal.  I took off the handle and cut off a bolt.  Installed the flex shaft chuck  and attached the other end to my old power drill.  So far it does the job faster. There were almost no vibration while holding the chuck body.  The shaft is really flexible but it is recommended to laid it with few bends.  I did checked that the chuck can accept 1/4" round and hex shaft.  So, the Lyman "motorized" shaft should work with the chuck.

I will still keep my modified manual handle because being in California you will never know when the power will be cut off.  Yep, one of the largest economy in country and it can't keep the stuff together.

Link to Flex Drive

Link to Foot Switch